Mamelodi Sundowns, the perennial DStv Premiership champions, could face an unexpected hurdle at the conclusion of the current season — the potential departure of some of their most trusted and influential players. As the club chases further domestic and continental success, contract uncertainty now threatens to derail preparations for the new campaign.
Key Contracts Set to Expire in June
Several Sundowns players are set to see their current deals run out at the end of June, putting the club at serious risk of losing them on free transfers unless new agreements are reached. Among the names reportedly heading toward the exit door are Marcelo Allende, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Mothobi Mvala, Mosa Lebusa, Rivaldo Coetzee, and Jody February.
These players have all played a significant role in Sundowns’ ongoing dominance in South African football, with the exception of Coetzee, who has unfortunately spent large portions of the season sidelined by injury.
While it is believed that the club included options for extensions in some of these contracts, Sundowns have yet to officially trigger them. This delay has raised eyebrows in local football circles, especially with other clubs beginning to monitor the situation closely.
Rival Clubs Monitoring the Situation
The uncertainty has already caught the attention of some of Sundowns’ domestic rivals. Kaizer Chiefs, for example, are reportedly keeping tabs on midfielder Sphelele Mkhulise’s situation, adding to speculation that other high-profile players could become transfer targets as the season draws to a close.
This kind of hesitation could have significant consequences for the defending champions. Allowing key players to run down their contracts can result in losing them for free, which would weaken the squad and force management to seek expensive replacements during the off-season.
Cardoso Eager to Avoid Squad Overhaul
Newly appointed head coach Miguel Cardoso, who only recently took charge of the team, is understood to have wasted no time in urging the club’s hierarchy to prioritize contract renewals.
According to sources close to Chloorkop, Cardoso has emphasized the importance of stability as he looks to build on the club’s remarkable achievements. The Portuguese tactician is reportedly concerned about the prospect of losing a core group of experienced players — a scenario that could force him to rebuild the team from scratch ahead of the next campaign.
“Sundowns have been doing well over the years, and Cardoso wants the club to continue this dominance as most of these players form part of his plans for the new season. He doesn’t want to start from scratch,” a source told reporters. “He knows that it’s not going to be easy to create another dominant team, so he has asked the club management to do everything possible to secure these players.”
A Test of Ambition and Planning for Mamelodi Sundowns
For a club like Sundowns, which has built its reputation on smart recruitment, squad depth, and consistent performances both locally and on the continental stage, the looming contract crisis could serve as a real test of ambition and long-term planning.
Allowing vital players to exit without financial compensation would not only damage the team’s on-field competitiveness but also reflect poorly on the club’s ability to manage its assets. Stability has been a hallmark of Sundowns’ success, and retaining their core squad is essential if they are to remain at the summit of South African football.
Time Running Out
With the June transfer window fast approaching, the pressure is now firmly on the Sundowns management to resolve the situation. Failure to act swiftly could see the Brazilians lose multiple first-team regulars in one transfer window — a scenario that could undo years of hard work and dominance.
If Cardoso is to fulfill his ambitions at Chloorkop, securing the futures of these key players must become the club’s top priority in the coming weeks.
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